Jharsuguda, 3.3 (Fast News Odisha): Jharsuguda is currently facing a severe climate change, which is characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations. Experts attribute this directly to global climate change and local industrialization. In early 2026, Jharsuguda recorded both minimum and maximum temperatures. Historic Low: The temperature fell to 4.5°C in January 2026, the lowest in the last 73 years (the previous minimum temperature was 5.6°C in 2023). It has risen to 38°C, which is 3 degrees above the average temperature for this time of the year. Climate Change and Local Factors A number of combined factors have been attributed to this extreme weather change in Jharsuguda. Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect: According to a study by ‘The Energy and Resources Institute’ (TERI), heat has been steadily increasing in the district due to extensive coal mining, industrial activities and rapid urbanisation. Deforestation, green-building industrialization and conversion to “exposed non-vegetation” have reduced the region’s ability to regulate temperature. As a result, nights are getting hotter. Meteoblue’s data confirms that a linear warming trend has been observed in the region over the past 40 years, with an increase in the number of “red” (warmer than normal) months. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing frequent ‘Orange’ and ‘Yellow’ warnings for severe summer and winter monsoons. Such extreme weather conditions are now becoming more concentrated and intense.
Sameer Kumar Patel reports from Jharsuguda, Fast News Odisha